Quick Summary
- OpenAI is rumored to release a "Smart Pin" in Q1 2026, designed with Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio.
- Clicks Technology is launching the "Clicks Communicator," an Android 16 phone with a physical keyboard.
- Both devices aim to offer alternatives to the smartphone-centric experience, but their success remains to be seen.
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OpenAI Smart Pin vs Clicks Keyboard Phone: 2026's Hottest AI Hardware – Hit or Flop?
Right before CES 2026 kicks off, the tech world is already buzzing with some wild reveals. First, there were rumors about OpenAI's Smart Pin, slated for a Q1 2026 launch. Then Clicks Technology jumped in, bringing back physical keyboards with their Clicks Communicator — a compact Android 16 device. Let's dive into both and see if they're the next big thing or just more hype.
The OpenAI Smart Pin (Gumdrop Project): AI in Your Pocket?
OpenAI is reportedly stepping out of pure software territory with its first consumer hardware device, and they've raised a staggering $60 billion for it. According to reports, the project is codenamed Gumdrop. The most intriguing detail? It's being designed in collaboration with Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio — the same Jony Ive who shaped Apple's iconic hardware for decades.
If the leaks hold up, OpenAI and LoveFrom are teaming up to create something that's not just an accessory. They want it to be a "third core device" in your ecosystem, on par with your iPhone or MacBook. That ambition rings a bell — Rabbit and Humane pitched similar ideas before their devices launched, but those ended up being major flops. The difference here? OpenAI is building on years of trust with their AI models. They've earned users' confidence through ChatGPT, so hardware feels like a natural extension rather than a standalone gimmick.
From what we know, the device is shaping up as a smart AI pin — compact, blendable into daily life, no complicated instructions needed. Jony Ive's design philosophy shines through: hardware that doesn't demand attention but quietly earns its place. The pin is expected to digitize handwriting instantly, turning your analog notes into structured, searchable text.
But it goes beyond writing. Rumors point to multiple sensors: a built-in microphone for natural voice queries, and possibly a compact camera for environmental perception. Imagine pointing at a document, and the pin scans it, analyzes text, or recognizes objects to feed into the AI. On the tech side, there's likely a small onboard processor with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for connectivity.
This isn't OpenAI's first hardware rodeo. Back in May 2025, they acquired a hardware startup called IO, founded by Jony Ive's LoveFrom, bringing in 55 engineers. Manufacturing is reportedly shifting to non-China supply chains, with Foxconn handling production primarily in Vietnam.
Why a pin form factor? Current AI interactions have friction — pull out your phone, unlock, open app. Gumdrop aims to reduce that: speak to the pin, it processes, returns via paired devices (phone, earbuds). It's about making queries feel effortless.
In practice, I see potential for professionals: quick note-taking in meetings, instant digitization for journalists. But success hinges on seamless integration and privacy — OpenAI's model trust helps, but hardware must deliver.
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Clicks Communicator: BlackBerry Nostalgia Meets Modern Android
For those nostalgic about tactile keyboards, Clicks Technology has something fun: the Clicks Communicator, a compact Android 16 phone built around physical typing.
It's designed as a "second phone" for your iPhone, focused on communication over consumption. The custom launcher prioritizes messengers. Specs include a QWERTY keyboard with directional keys and number row, 4-inch OLED display, 3.5mm headphone jack, up to 2TB microSD storage, and hardware-level encryption. Cameras: 50MP main + 24MP front. It has NFC for Google Pay, and a 4000 mAh battery. Security features a fingerprint sensor in the spacebar.
As a secondary device, it avoids heavy content capture. But at $399 (rising to $499 after February 27), is it worth it? Pre-orders are open now.
For keyboard fans who don't want a full phone, Clicks offers the Power Keyboard accessory ($110, early bird $80). It attaches via MagSafe/Qi2, with a 2150 mAh battery for topping up your phone. Compatible with iOS/Android.
This taps into the "dumb phone" trend — pulling back from social media overload. But as a secondary device, it means two plans/numbers, which feels impractical for most. Clicks isn't chasing mass market; it's niche for tactile typing lovers.
From my experience, the tactility is addictive for emails/texts, but modern touchscreens handle most tasks fine. It's fun nostalgia, but unlikely to scale as an industry standard. Speaking of scaling, the underlying chipset battle is also evolving rapidly. For a deep dive into how hardware like this is powered, check out our analysis on Exynos vs Snapdragon performance in 2026.
Will These Be Hits or Flops?
Both devices challenge the phone-dominant world: OpenAI's pin as a "third device" for frictionless AI, Clicks' communicator as a communication-focused secondary tool. But history shows pitfalls — Rabbit R1 and Humane promised revolutions but flopped on delivery.
OpenAI has an edge with model trust, but hardware must nail usability and privacy. Clicks revives keyboards, but dual-device logistics might limit appeal.
Do you think AI hardware like OpenAI's pin and Clicks' keyboard phone will find real markets, or end up like Rabbit R1? Comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When will OpenAI Smart Pin launch?
A: Rumored for Q1 2026, though details are unconfirmed.
Q: What makes Clicks Communicator unique?
A: Physical QWERTY keyboard, compact design for communication, expandable storage up to 2TB, and signal LED for notifications.
Q: Is OpenAI Smart Pin a phone replacement?
A: No — it's intended as a "third device" for AI interactions like note-digitizing and contextual queries.
Q: How much is Clicks Power Keyboard?
A: $110 retail, $80 early bird — pre-orders January 2, launch spring 2026.
A: $110 USD retail, $80 USD early bird — pre-orders January 2, launch spring 2026.
Q: Why might these devices flop?
A: Similar to the Rabbit R1, they could struggle if they don't meet user expectations, have usability issues, or fail to justify their price point in a crowded market.
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